Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is celebrating its 10-Year Anniversary. Its annual "Prelude to Pride" salute will be an original production of the time honored classic, "A WIZARD OF OZ". Adapted by T. Scott Wooten, this hilarious and madcap send-up of the fabled classic by Frank L. Baum is just in time for St. Petersburg Pride Celebration.

PRELUDE TO PRIDE: A WIZARD OF OZ stars Matt McGee, as The WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST; Joey Panek as TIN MAN; Betty Jane Parks as DOROTHY; Drew Decaro as COWARDLY LION; Joel Gennari as Scarecrow; Sara DelBeato as GLINDA THE GOOD WITCH; Joe Parra as the WIZARD; Meliss Kenworthy as AUNTIE EM; Katie Castonquay as THE MUNCHKINS; and Scott Daniel as UNCLE HENRY. Michael Raabe will be making a special appearance at the keyboard.

These two performances will benefit PWA (People with AIDS) programs at Metropolitan Charities of Pinellas and AIDS Service Association of Pinellas, Inc. Admission is Pay-What-You-Will and all performers are donating their time and talents.

Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization whosemission is to raise awareness, provide assistance, and perpetuate a life of dignity for those affected and infected by HIV and AIDS.

PRELUDE TO PRIDE: A WIZARD OF OZ will perform: today, June 25th and Sunday, July 1st, 2012 at American Stage Theatre, 163 3rd St. N. St. Petersburg. Doors open at 7:00pm, curtain time is 7:30pm. Cash bar will be available. For further information contact American Stage at 727-823-PLAY or www.americanstage.org.

To learn more about The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project contact Garry Allan Breul, Artistic Director at 941/758-6399 or garallan@msn.com.